fizzle

[fiz-uhl]

verb (used without object)

fizzled, fizzling 

1. to make a hissing or sputtering sound, especially one that dies out weakly.

2. Informal.,  to fail ignominiously after a good start (often followed byout ).

   The reform movement fizzled out because of poor leadership.

   Synonyms: founder, collapse, miscarry

noun

1. a fizzling, hissing, or sputtering.

2. Informal.,  a failure; fiasco.

fizzle

/ ˈfɪzəl /

verb

1. to make a hissing or bubbling sound

2. informal,  (often foll by out) to fail or die out, esp after a promising start

noun

1. a hissing or bubbling sound; fizz

2. informal,  an outright failure; fiasco

Word History and Origins

Origin of fizzle¹

1525–35; earlier fysel to break wind, frequentative of *fise < Old Norse fīsa to break wind; akin to feist

Word History and Origins

Origin of fizzle¹

C16: probably from obsolete fist to break wind

Example Sentences

Homeland Security agent reportedly tried to recruit Maduro’s chief pilot to fly the president into U.S. custody, a plot that fizzled but hints at the psychological ops now in play.

Read more on Salon

Given her considerable know-how and compelling background, why did Atkins’ campaign fizzle?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They then melt on your tongue with a slight fizzle.

Read more on Salon

In the end, however, Takaichi persuaded the Japan Innovation Party to back her candidacy and the opposition push fizzled amid disagreements over policy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Hession said communications then "fizzled out" as he started to ask himself "did that really happen"?

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• abort 
• misfire 
• peter out 
• wane